XC-70 2005 rear wheel drive not engaging

wz-dc · Post by **wz-dc** » 07 Dec 2008, 10:32

Driving in our recent snow storms, with four new studded tires on: my XC-70 was noticeably lacking in traction.
Sitting on a slippery slope with an observer watching, it is obvious that the rear wheels are NOT engaging, and that the front wheels spin wildly.
Any body else experience this ?
What is the fix?
Thanks...Dave

Post by **JRL** » 07 Dec 2008, 13:45

Very possible and common.
Have your dealer check the angle gear module.
I forget what it's exactly called but there's a solonoid that gets dirty and cloggs up preventing the AWD from working properly.

Out of warranty it's about a $250 deal for a new module and programming software
Sometimes it can just be cleaned.
If your dealer just looks at you and scratches his rear end, get back to me and I will get back to you with the EXACT info.

wz-dc · Post by **wz-dc** » 07 Dec 2008, 16:07

Thanks for the info.
I hope that's all that it is.
Why is there no mil for this malfunction?
Dave

Post by **JRL** » 07 Dec 2008, 21:17

wz-dc wrote:Thanks for the info.
I hope that's all that it is.
Why is there no mil for this malfunction?
Dave

No WHAT for the malfunction?
If you mean a light? no, none

wz-dc · Post by **wz-dc** » 08 Dec 2008, 08:19

Sorry.
"mil": malfunction indicator lamp.
I am surprised that since there are mil's for virtually everything else that could go wrong in these cars, that there isn't one for such an important feature.
Dave

Fam_mach · Post by **Fam_mach** » 10 Dec 2008, 10:50

Dave-

Please share what your dealer indicates as the problem. My XC70 is a dog on snow and ice conditions that are no problem for a Subaru… Your problem sounds similar to my experience and would like to know what your outcome is?

Cheers,

Erik

Post by **JRL** » 10 Dec 2008, 13:14

wz-dc wrote:Sorry.
"mil": malfunction indicator lamp.
I am surprised that since there are mil's for virtually everything else that could go wrong in these cars, that there isn't one for such an important feature.
Dave

No indicator except your car not having traction!

wz-dc · Post by **wz-dc** » 12 Dec 2008, 08:47

My vehicle was repaired at Rickenbaugh volvo in Denver.
It turns out that the temp/pressure sensor was defective.
They replaced the sensor, and reloaded/updated the software.
Voila!! I have AWD again...

The good news: they did it for no charge even though I am out of warranty.

The bad news: I whacked a deer on the way to the dealer @ 5 am, and sustained an estimated $6000. in damages ( I bought my current xc because my '98 xc was totaled by a REALLY BIG deer).
Dave

wz-dc · Post by **wz-dc** » 12 Dec 2008, 08:52

Fam_mach wrote:Dave-

Please share what your dealer indicates as the problem. My XC70 is a dog on snow and ice conditions that are no problem for a Subaru… Your problem sounds similar to my experience and would like to know what your outcome is?

Cheers,

Erik

Erik;
You did not mention what you are running for tires.
That is the biggest single key; to be effective on snow/ice ( ie. the correct rubber compound) your winter tires should display the snowflake/mountain symbol on the sidewall.
Dave